The Big Book Of Amaguji

Flowers: Older Is Sometimes Better

"Rantaro-san, I seen you've attended."

His soft voice greeted my ears like two lovers meeting after being separated from a war, tattered and injured.

Kiyo's presence made himself known when he came from the corner, presumably from the water cooler; smiling with so much conviction that I could photograph it and save it in a scrapbook.

I smiled softly as I handed him the bouquet. He flayed the petals with his delicate, long fingers with care in fear of ruining it; the realization that the flowers were real sat in immediately.

"What a beautiful, though classic gift. I commend you greatly, Rantaro-san, especially for the authenticity." He sat the flowers down on the table as he took out a bracelet.

"Thanks Kiyo! Where'd you get it?" I put the bracelet over my wrist and flipped my wrist around in awe.

It had 26 figures with interchangeable lettering from A to Z. I've never seen something bought from the dollar store so intricately made.

"It was a recommendation from one of my friends. She makes accessories for special occasions and this was on display; I was quite impressed with the precise craft so I bought it. I hope you enjoy it."

I flipped the unknown shapes around, secretly putting 'I Love Kiyo' on the figures. The gift exchange was over and there was nothing else to do. My other colleagues were chatting about over wines and gins, nothing interesting being said.

I sighed that me and Kiyo's meet up has been shortened as I saw myself out, not before Kiyo actually stopping me.

"May I ask where you're going." I swore I heard the slightest bit of melancholy in his tone.

"I'm going home. I don't want to intrude any longer than I need to. See ya tommorow."

"... Have a good evening, Rantaro... san."

Disappointment shone through his voice this time. My heart ached as he walked back inside, I couldn't leave him like that! I would just die from guilt!

I sighed as my heart clenched. I'll make it up to him tommorow. For sure.